How to Clean Mildew on Drywall

Commonly found in bathrooms, mildew can grow in any part of your home.

A gypsum board used for walls and ceilings, drywall is a common sight in homes and commercial buildings. When your drywall becomes damp, mildew will begin to grow and spread. Mildew is a fungus that -- if left untreated -- will stain your drywall and fill your home with a musty aroma. Remove the mildew from your drywall as soon as you notice the fungus growth. Fortunately, you can remove the mildew without harsh or expensive chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp
• 1 cup oxygen bleach
• Bucket
• Dish soap
• Long-handled spoon
• Sponge
• Cloth
• Fans

Instructions

1. Open windows and doors in the room to provide ventilation. Cover the floor with a tarp to prevent possible damage from the cleaning solution.

2. Dissolve 1 cup of oxygen bleach in 1 gallon of lukewarm water in a bucket. Add two drops of dish soap and mix with a long-handled spoon.

3. Dip a sponge in the mixture and wring out excess liquid. Wipe the mildew off the drywall. Refrain from oversaturating the wall with the mixture. Oversaturation can cause water damage to the drywall.

4. Continue scrubbing the wall until you have removed all traces of mildew. Let the oxygen-bleach mixture sit on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Rinse the drywall clean by wiping the mixture off with a clean cloth dampened in cool water. Refrain from oversaturating the drywall with the water.

6. Point fans toward the drywall and allow them to run for several hours until it is dry.

References

• Ask The Builder; Mold Removal/Oxygen Bleach; Tim Carter
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Resources
• University of Missouri Extension; How to Prevent and Remove Mildew--Home Methods; Wanda Eubank and Betty Feather; April 1998
• Interior Decorating: How Do I Repair Mildew From Interior Drywall?